Chrysler Sailors Forum

On the way back to the dock on my last sail my Sailor 280 overheated and siezed. After cooling off I easily freed it, but it ran rough and smoked a lot. Compression was 105 and 95.

I finally tore it down and there is severe scoring/galling in one cylinder and on the piston skirt. Pistons are no longer available. I considered sleeving the block if I could get a good piston.

So, I'm thinking about a new motor, but worried about the extra weight and even more so about tilting clearance. Does anyone have any recommendations or ideas?

If you haven't already, check with Franz Buddenberg at www.franzmarine.com. He should be able to supply you with what you need, not sure about cost effective.

I have a spare powerhead, but no idea what the compression numbers are on it

I'll second Alan, you may can get some good out of the parts towards the nre motor. I see the Magnapower unit go for good money on Ebay, the replacement version is close to 300 new, and the coils are a hard to find item as well. Also the lower units draw attention.

Dang. Sorry to hear that.
I hope you get a newer and more reliable motor!

Scott

EE,
Franz was one of my first calls. No pistons available and it sounds like he's down to his last two sets of rings. Ironically I was planning a complete overhaul over the winter to make sure it's reliable and durable.

The admiral and I discussed it last night and we agreed that a new motor with no worries is the way to go. I'm still suffering sticker shock though.

I had the "mother-in-law scare"

She was planning to come visit and go sailing with us...the thought of getting stuck w/o a working motor and the vision of me pulling on the starter rope while drifitng aimlessly was motivation enough for me to go out and buy a reliable 4-stroke to replace the old original chrylser sailor, it worked but I did not trust it.

Then came the crazy stuff, the motor wound costing almost more than the boat!, I also got the three blade mickey mouse ear pusher prop, and now I am going to rebuild the motor mount... the 4-strokes are so damn heavy!

I went with a very slightly used suzuki 9.9 four stroke. heavy as hell but works like a swiss watch. press the button and it lights up real nice smmooth and quiet.... very stress free and comforting.

Isn't Franz just a gem ! Maybe I best pick up those last rings for future ref.

Sticker shock, understood !!

Tom,

I'm in the same situation. My 10 hp Chrysler sailor impeller want out at the end of this season. I replaced it but the motor started hard and ran rough. I took it in to have it checked and have the same problems you do.

I was planning on taking my C22 to the Florida Keys over Christmas break. The cost of a new motor isn't in the budget this month plus they run about twice what I paid for the boat. Used ones are hard to find and don't last long on the market. I may have found an 8hp Yamaha high thrust 4 stroke with electric start. If I don't find something in the next week I will probably take my 16' ski boat on vacation which would make my 17 year old son happy.